exercise bikes made in usa image
Leen@
I would like to start riding around on a bike again. For exercise and just to enjoy being outdoors. I have not rode a bicycle since probably middle school. I'm 25..about 5'2 or 5'3, I forget;) Anyway, do I have to look for a certain size to fit me? Is there anything else I should know?
I was told just now that I'm about 5'5. does height even matter?
What do I need to look for when buying?
Answer
Bicycles have frame sizes, I am 5'7" and prefer an 18" to 19" frame so you may like a 15" or 16" frame.
A lot of which bike you buy depends on where you ride, if it is just on the sidewalk or bike path a rigid bike (no suspension) w/ a steel frame should be just fine (the steel frame absorbs a lot of impact compared to alloy)
If the trail is only partially paved a hardtail bike (front shocks) will make control over the rough much easier, and alloy frames will save a bit of weight (since a heavy bike and off-road is enduring - the lighter the better :)
Jamis is a brand that is good quality and relatively inexpensive
they have an entry level rigid / steel bike the "trail xr" http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/09_trailxr.html which gives you a well made bike for just over $300
the "trail x1" gives you an alloy frame and front shocks for under $400
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/09_trailx1.html
and the x2 upgrades the x1 with disk brakes all for under $450
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/09_trailx2.html
if your local dealer has them give them a test ride, the staff should be knowledgeable about what frame size is best for you.
cheers!
Bicycles have frame sizes, I am 5'7" and prefer an 18" to 19" frame so you may like a 15" or 16" frame.
A lot of which bike you buy depends on where you ride, if it is just on the sidewalk or bike path a rigid bike (no suspension) w/ a steel frame should be just fine (the steel frame absorbs a lot of impact compared to alloy)
If the trail is only partially paved a hardtail bike (front shocks) will make control over the rough much easier, and alloy frames will save a bit of weight (since a heavy bike and off-road is enduring - the lighter the better :)
Jamis is a brand that is good quality and relatively inexpensive
they have an entry level rigid / steel bike the "trail xr" http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/09_trailxr.html which gives you a well made bike for just over $300
the "trail x1" gives you an alloy frame and front shocks for under $400
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/09_trailx1.html
and the x2 upgrades the x1 with disk brakes all for under $450
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/trailx/09_trailx2.html
if your local dealer has them give them a test ride, the staff should be knowledgeable about what frame size is best for you.
cheers!
What are some some good, durable climbing gloves?
John
Hello :D I'm 17, and I like to climb things. Usually trees at the park I live next to, but other things as well. It's a good way to get exercise, and it's fun! Unfortunately, such things can cut the skin when you do them, so I need gloves. (can't play guitar and wotnot with cuts all over my hands)
I have some gloves, and I do believe they were meant for dirt bike riding, but they now have a hole in one of the finger places. They wore out. Probably because of the bark on the pine trees. I used them for other things besides climbing, like for sports and such.
So what I'm looking for is some nice looking, durable climbing gloves that won't wear out within a few months. I googled for climbing gloves, and I came up with this, http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/climb/climbing-gloves/crag-glove
I don't have a lot of money, so this is the top of my price range. I don't know much about gloves, so I don't know what the best materials would be. Any info would be helpful! :D Thanks!
Answer
Rock climbers don't wear gloves because you can't grip with gloves on. They simply toughen the skin on their hands with use. There was a company that sold "climbing gloves" back when I used to sell mountaineering gear but they were fingerless, like bike gloves and made of a rough crocheted waxed cotton twine so they provided grip to the palms of the hands on abrasive rock like sandstone.
I would suggest you get a pair of the heavy duty workmans gloves that they sell at stores that have DIY and construction materials. I have used those for years for heavy yard work and chopping firewood and moving big rocks. They have velcro closures at the wrist to keep them tight on your hands. Most are synthetic roughened rubberish material but if you can find leather palmed ones they will hold up better. Try them as is at first and then try cutting the top halves of the fingers off, This will give you better grip while protecting the parts of the hand that usually get battered.
Another option if you can find them (they will most likely be at a hardware or farm supply store) is goatskin gloves. These are heavy light grey leather that is almost indestructable. If you find a pair, soak them in water and let them shrink before wearing them -- they will mold to your hands.
You can also check with a chemist (or, in the USA, drug store) and see if you can buy tincture of benzoin. It is a harmless liquid that some athletes coat their skin with to prevent friction and blisters. I knew climbers who used to paint it on their hands to create a protective covering to protect their skin.
Rock climbers don't wear gloves because you can't grip with gloves on. They simply toughen the skin on their hands with use. There was a company that sold "climbing gloves" back when I used to sell mountaineering gear but they were fingerless, like bike gloves and made of a rough crocheted waxed cotton twine so they provided grip to the palms of the hands on abrasive rock like sandstone.
I would suggest you get a pair of the heavy duty workmans gloves that they sell at stores that have DIY and construction materials. I have used those for years for heavy yard work and chopping firewood and moving big rocks. They have velcro closures at the wrist to keep them tight on your hands. Most are synthetic roughened rubberish material but if you can find leather palmed ones they will hold up better. Try them as is at first and then try cutting the top halves of the fingers off, This will give you better grip while protecting the parts of the hand that usually get battered.
Another option if you can find them (they will most likely be at a hardware or farm supply store) is goatskin gloves. These are heavy light grey leather that is almost indestructable. If you find a pair, soak them in water and let them shrink before wearing them -- they will mold to your hands.
You can also check with a chemist (or, in the USA, drug store) and see if you can buy tincture of benzoin. It is a harmless liquid that some athletes coat their skin with to prevent friction and blisters. I knew climbers who used to paint it on their hands to create a protective covering to protect their skin.
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